Michigan State Football: 10 bold predictions for 2017 Big Ten play

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EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 09: Running back LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans breaks down field while being pursued by defensive backs Davontae Ginwright #9 and Stefan Claiborne #21 of the Western Michigan Broncos during the second half at Spartan Stadium on September 9, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Western Michigan 24-14. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

6. LJ Scott reaches 1,000 yards despite slow start

It’s been a rough start to the year for junior running back LJ Scott. Not only have some of the fans turned on him, but his teammates are giving him a rough time for his ball security issues. It’s warranted, though. He has coughed the ball up three times in the first three games of the season, including twice at the 1-yard line about to score.

Scott’s latest fumble against Notre Dame was essentially the nail in the Spartans’ coffin. His touchdown would have cut the Irish lead to seven and the Spartans would get the ball back to start the second half. Instead, he fumbled away the score and Notre Dame marched down and put up seven points before half to take a 28-7 lead.

Through three games, Scott has accumulated just 186 yards and a touchdown (which should be three by now) and he’s averaging just 4.2 yards per carry. He is still the lead back, but the goals of a 1,000-yard season are looking far too lofty right now.

Forget that, he will reach the 1,000-yard plateau and this fumble against Notre Dame will be his season turning point. He learned from his fumble against Wisconsin last year and a couple of quiet games to follow and nearly reached 1,000. He will break 1,000 during the Maryland game.

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